Outlast 2's scripted chases can grow frustrating, but its gripping atmosphere and unnerving sound design deliver unparalleled tension.
Only six years have passed since the wildly inventive Bulletstorm originally released, which may be why this update looks so good and plays so smoothly.
Andromeda's combat soars but its storytelling sputters, making the series' first venture into uncharted space a shaky but occasionally satisfying new adventure.
Our favorite psychic secret agents return, trading platforming for puzzles and flat displays for a VR headset. The results are sweet but far too short.
Despite dragging in spots, Resident Evil 7's house of horrors recaptures the tension that first made the series a household name.
Dead Rising's core combat remains simplistic, but the expanded open world, compelling central mystery, and added combo weapons refresh the formula enough for some light, bloody fun.
Overcooked contains all the necessary ingredients for a truly excellent co-op game.
Dishonored's brand of creative stealth-action mayhem returns with excellent new weapons, powers, and gameplay options that overshadow a few late-game letdowns.
The series that cemented the 4X strategy formula continues to stand the test of time with a stellar entry that adds richness and depth in expected places.
Though Mafia III's storytelling is exceptional in every way, it's not quite strong enough to compensate for dated gameplay, repetitive missions, and technical issues.
The arcade classic returns, bringing challenging, cooperative tank combat into modern virtual reality. The results are flawed but ultimately still fun.
Resource gathering and city building have never been more tedious.
Abzu is deeply, transcendentally beautiful--not just visually splendid, but emotionally evocative. Without question, it is this year's Journey.
Though its patience-testing puzzles hit a few sour notes, Song of the Deep still delivers a rich, imaginative undersea adventure.
With its customizable missions and randomly generated areas, Underground's Operations breathe new life into an ailing game.
Catalyst's combat stumbles, but the fluid freerunning and enticing open-world challenges overshadow most of its shortcomings.
Despite its ambitious premise, Homefront's efforts to reclaim Philadelphia are sabotaged by technical issues, faulty mechanics, and predictable storytelling.
The combat is frantic and tense, but often feels samey and superficial. The in-match leveling works wonderfully in the campaign, but can become problematic in multiplayer. The varied cast of heroes adds longevity, but the game still feels relatively content light. With so many moving parts that never quite gel, I found plenty of things to love but just as much to feel confused by and ambivalent about.
The studio behind imaginative indie hits Machinarium and Botanicula debuts its most ambitious game yet: a beautiful yet simplistic point-and-click adventure.
Despite oddly overpowered enemies and repetitive level grinding, The Division succeeds thanks to its rich world, strong campaign, and impressive online functionality.